Receive the latest birds-nest updates in your inbox

Over 900 people attended Eagles Head Coach Andy Reid's oldest son's funeral on Tuesday. Garrett Reid was found dead Sunday in a Lehigh University dorm room. He was staying there for Eagles training camp. NBC10's Lu Ann Cahn spoke to some of those who attended the service. (Published Tuesday, Aug. 7, 2012)

Eagles head coach Andy Reid is talking for the first time about his oldest son's death, implying that it may have been drug-related.

In a statement released Monday, he describes how his son "worked to overcome challenges" and lost the battle he's been fighting for eight years.

Players Speak Out About Loss of Garrett Reid

The oldest son of Eagles Coach Andy Reid was found dead inside a dorm room on Sunday at Lehigh University where Eagles training camp is being held.Investigators say the cause of death is unknown, but doesn't appear to be suspicious. NBC10's Lu Ann Cahn spoke to the players about the loss. (Published Monday, Aug. 6, 2012)

Garrett Reid Expected to be Laid to Rest Tuesday

The oldest son of Eagles Coach Andy Reid is expected to be laid to rest on Tuesday. Twenty-nine-year-old Garrett Reid was found dead inside a dorm room at Lehigh University where Eagles training camp is being held. NBC10's Katy Zachry reports that practice will go on as scheduled again today. (Published Monday, Aug. 6, 2012)

In 2007, he admitted to being high on heroin when he crashed into another car, injuring the driver.

When he stood in the courtroom to plead guilty to the accident, he told the judge, "I don't want to die doing drugs. I don't want to be that kid who was the son of the head coach of the Eagles, who was spoiled and on drugs and OD'd and just faded into oblivion."

On behalf of Tammy and our family, I would like to thank everybody for their tremendous support, love, kind words and prayers during this time of great sadness. Words cannot express our sense of loss.

We loved Garrett so much. He was a wonderful son and brother. He made us laugh, he was a pleasure to be around, he always had a smile on his face, and we will miss him dearly. We will never forget him, and we will remember him with love.

Garrett’s road through life was not always an easy one. He faced tremendous personal challenges with bravery and spirit. As a family, we stood by him and were inspired as he worked to overcome those challenges. Even though he lost the battle that has been ongoing for the last eight years, we will always remember him as a fighter who had a huge, loving heart.

I spoke with the team yesterday and thanked them for their thoughts and prayers. I asked them to continue with their preparations for the upcoming season until I am ready to rejoin the team.

It is in times like these that we lean on our faith, our family, our friends, and our Eagles family. We will do so in the difficult times ahead.

Thank you again for your continued support.

Andy Reid

The Reid family said in lieu of flowers, people are welcome to send donations to a charity they have long supported, The Laurel House, which supports victims of domestic violence.